Choosing the right surf camp for your child is about more than fun in the sun—it’s about safety, confidence, progression, and building a real connection to the ocean.
Gilad Lewandowski, Owner & Founder of Freedom Surf Camps, shares what parents should look for when choosing the right beginner surf camp in Los Angeles.
1. Age vs. Readiness: The “Pilot Day” Approach
Many parents ask what the right age is to start surfing. While kids can begin as young as 4–6 years old, age alone is not the deciding factor.
A Pilot Day helps assess:
- Water comfort and basic swimming ability
- Ability to listen and follow instructions
- Emotional readiness to try something new
The best programs meet each child at their level and build confidence step by step—sometimes starting with ankle-high water.
2. Safety Isn’t a Feature—It’s the Foundation
A beginner surf camp must prioritize ocean safety before surfing.
Every day should begin with:
- Understanding rip currents
- Learning tides and wave conditions
- Identifying safe zones with lifeguards
- Respecting marine life and ocean awareness
If a camp skips this foundation, it misses the most important part.
3. The “Dynamic Ratio” Secret
One of the biggest differences between camps is the instructor-to-student ratio.A quality surf camp adjusts based on:
- Tide and wave conditions
- Activity type
- Child age and experience level
Ideal Ratios
- First-time surfers (ages 5–9): 1:1
- Boogie boarding (high tide): 1:4
- Boogie boarding (low tide): 1:6
- Intermediate surfers: 1:4
- Playing a beach Game 1:10
Safety in the ocean is never fixed—good camps adapt daily.
4. Ocean vs. Pool
Pools are great for:
- Floating
- Breathing
- Basic water confidence
But surfing happens in the ocean.
The best programs create a bridge:
- First on the sand
- Then in shallow white-water
- Then into small, controlled waves
This helps kids gain confidence without fear.
5. Not All LA Beaches Are the Same
Different beaches fit different skill levels.
- Santa Monica & Venice → softer waves, sandy bottom, ideal for beginners
- Malibu → longer rides for progression
- Manhattan Beach → stronger conditions for intermediate surfers
The right surf camp chooses the right beach for your child—not just one location.
6. Local Programs vs. Tourist Camps
LA has two types of surf camps:
Tourist Camps
Short-term, one-time experiences
Local Programs
Year-round development with afterschool training and progression
Programs like Freedom Surf Camps create a lifestyle pathway through:
- Afterschool surf programs
- Ongoing progression
- Friendships and team building
- Community events and competitions
This creates much more than a summer activity.
7. The Right Equipment
Beginner camps should provide:
- Soft-top surfboards
- Full wetsuits
- Proper sunscreen and sun protection guidance
Good equipment helps kids feel safer and learn faster.
The Bottom Line
The best surf camp isn’t always the one ranked highest on Google.
It’s the one that:
✔ Prioritizes safety
✔ Builds confidence step by step
✔ Teaches real ocean awareness
✔ Adapts to the child’s level
✔ Offers a long-term path—not just one week of fun
✔ Instructors & camper are Stoked & Grateful
When you choose the right surf camp, you’re not just booking childcare—you’re giving your child confidence, life skills, and a lasting connection to the ocean.
Thank you for reading and sea you at the line up
Gilad Lewndowsky
Founder & Owner
Freedom Surf / Snow / Adventures